Tag: ubuntu

How to Monitor Internet Speed in Ubuntu

I often use it to monitor the speed while downloading or using internet and stumbled upon a website which takes time to respond — looking at the internet speed indicator tells me whether my internet is working properly or website is not using the bandwidth to load the page, in that case I simply reload the page to make it render properly.

I will be first to admit it that it is quiet easy to do it on windows Operating system, however you’ll be surprised to know that this can be done as easily on Ubuntu as well. In some cases you’ll feel that it’s better and quicker way to implement on Linux distros than on Windows – which involves downloading a software and installing them on your computer.

App and repository based Ubuntu distro makes it fun and easier to use. There sure is a learning curve for new users but, it is worth the effort.

I used Ubuntu 15.04 for this tutorial, but it can be implemented on any version of Ubuntu.

How to Install

Webupd8 designed a package which includes various useful applications in a single package such as radio, hotspot, themes and most importantly our Net speed indicator. We will be using this repository to install our net speed indicator to monitor internet speed.

Step 1.

Open terminal (Ctrl+Alt+T) and paste the following sudo command.
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:nilarimogard/webupd8

Step 2

Update your repository.
Sudo apt-get update

Step 3

Install netspeed indicator using this command.
sudo apt-get install indicator-netspeed
Tips: You can also check the internet usage by all ports using a simple command “ifconfig”.

May 24, 2015
[How To] auto-mount partition at boot in Ubuntu | Pysdm alternative

Ubuntu (A Linux Distribution) handles partitions differently than Windows Operating system. It is more tightly integrated and securely packed environment and handles the user interaction in more precise manner by executing only necessary commands and performing useful tasks without clogging up the system.

One of these steps taken by Ubuntu or any other Linux operating system is — mounting only root drive (the one where Ubuntu has been installed) at the boot. If you want to access any other partition, you’ll need to mount that partition manually from the file browser. It is very useful when you don’t want any intruder to access all your data, but sometimes it proves to be very frustrating.

Previously, We could use the GUI like “mount manager” or “pysdm” to automatically mount the partitions at boot on Ubuntu 12.10 and below, but due to lack of support and maintenance Ubuntu community removed the package from the repository altogether and this is the good thing. pysdm and other mounting GUI applications are known to cause issues to the system and many users reported the same.

You don’t need to be worried, we are always here to help you out. The method is as easy as you used to accomplish the same task by GUI application, but it is easier than other manual methods to mount the partition.

Instructions:

1. First you need to find out the uuid (universally unique identifier) of the partitions you want to automount. To do so, you can use the following command in terminal:

ls -l /dev/disk/by-uuid

You’ll get the output like this:

2. To Find out the partition you want to automount – simply open “Disks” utility and select the partition you want to mount. (See screenshot):

3. Now open startup applications from the “unity dash” and add the following command to your startup application window. Replace “500D4BE5454B55ED” with your own UUID from the terminal as mentioned above.

/usr/bin/udisks –mount /dev/disk/by-uuid/500D4BE5454B55ED

(Screenshot):

4. Click on close. and restart your system. Next time when you boot Ubuntu, you’ll find the partition mounted automatically.

October 12, 2013
Ubuntu edge Smartphone – dual boots into android and Ubuntu, transforms into fully-fledged PC [Hands on Video]
Ubuntu edge is carefully crafted device that is capable of providing cutting-edge features and introduce us to the new technology.

Ubuntu edge – is reportedly a Powerful PC in your hand which can be transformed into a fully fledged PC when connected to a display source via HDMI. Conical wrote:

We’re fascinated by converged computing, the idea that the smartphone in your pocket can also be the brain of the PC on your desk. We’ve shaped Ubuntu so you can transition seamlessly between the two environments. Now all that’s needed is a phone that’s designed from the ground up to be a PC as well.

Conical doesn’t want to compromise in any factor when it comes to the build quality and comfort of using the device. According to the information posted on the website indiegogo, which is where the crowd funding is currently being carried on — the gadget sports 4.5-inch display protected by pure sapphire glass (a material so hard only diamond could scratch it) — so, you can stop worrying about the gadget retaining the scratch on the screen.

Since, the device is supposedly to provide the fully-fledged PC functionality, it will be powered by most powerful multi-core processor available, at least 4GB Ram and a massive 128 GB of storage. Yup, you read it correct and we haven’t made any typo.

Next-generation hardware deserves innovative software. The Ubuntu Edge will dual-boot both the Ubuntu phone OS and Android, and convert into a fully integrated Ubuntu desktop PC.

The overall user interface is so simple and clutter free that you don’t even need a home screen (neither physical or on-screen). You just need to navigate by swiping over an edge of the screen; open your favorite apps on the left edge, switch instantly between opens apps from the right and use the system and app tool bars at the top and bottom respectively.

If you are familiar with Ubuntu work environment, you must be pretty aware of the integrated notification system that provides information and notification about emails, messages and another application at one central notification center — Ubuntu edge, promises to provide the similar experience including the text messages, emails and social media posts.

Conical has planned the roll out in various steps – willing to offer full convergence from Android environment. On the day one of the launch you’ll be able to launch Ubuntu from your mobile phone using Ubuntu for android app and you’ll receive a free software update that adds this desktop integration to Ubuntu mobile as well, leaving you with the fully integrated Ubuntu desktop OS.

The smartphone will get regular updates and support for at least 3 years, so you can expect the more power to fill in as time passes.

If you want to place an order for this incredibly powerful device, you can do so by contributing the crowd funding campaign. Conical has lowered the price of the gadget :

The crowd funding campaign is set for $32 Million in 30 days, contribute to get the best and help them fulfill the requirements! For more information visit their campaign page – Indiegogo

Specifications:
- Dual boot Ubuntu mobile OS and Android
- Fully integrated Ubuntu desktop PC when docked
- Fastest multi-core CPU, 4GB RAM, 128GB storage
- 4.5in 1,280 x 720 HD sapphire crystal display
- 8mp low-light rear camera, 2mp front camera
- Dual-LTE, dual-band 802.11n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4, NFC
- GPS, accelerometer, gyro, proximity sensor, compass, barometer
- Stereo speakers with HD audio, dual-mic recording, Active Noise Cancellation
- MHL connector, 3.5mm jack
- Silicon-anode Li-Ion battery
- 64 x 9 x 124mm
*Specifications are subject to change
July 24, 2013
Top 5 Ubuntu app of 2012 [Popular List]

2012 has been an very interesting year for conical, which delivered fast and reliable features for the Ubuntu fans. The OS saw numerous bumps and take offs that and learned from its mistakes. Finally it came into a remolded shape which astonished everyone.

Hundreds of useful and interesting applications were released – making the Linux even more powerful and user-friendly. The last 12 months have been some of the most tremendous moment that Ubuntu has ever seen.

Here are some best-handpicked applications of 2012.

1. Steam for Linux [Download]

(First Release: November 2012)

Steam for Linux changes the way world used to see the Canonical platform. The existense of the App shows that Linux desktop has its own potentials and it can be commercially viable and should be taken seriously.

2. Lightread [Download]

(First Release: July 2012)

Before this Ubuntu App, users were stuck with the In-web Google Reader or Unstable apps which offered bloated experience for the RSS subscriptions follow up — Realizing that something needed to be done Lightread was born.

3. Unity News Lens [How to Install – OMG Ubuntu]

(First Release: May 2012)

2012 may not have been doomed by the Mayan prediction of end of the world, but it did see one amazing invention in canonical platform — creation of Unity Lens.

Among dozens of Lens developed by David Callé the Unity News Lens is one of the best. I am news junkie, so this is bound to be my favorite.

You might prefer some other best shot of his marvelous creations but news is all what keeps me updated. News lens is the handy tool which narrows down my search results. It is a handy tool.

4. CuttleFish [Download]

(First Release: August 2012)

CuttleFish is the app which makes your Ubuntu adapt its appearance and settings according to the environment. Cuttlefish allows you to create events that only happen under certain circumstances.

5. Insync [Download 64bit | 32bit]

(First Release: Still in Beta)

Google Launched their Free cloud storage service last year and it was flourished by millions of people just after it was released. But, sadly Google failed to release the desktop client for Ubuntu.

This is where Insync plays its role. The app lets user manage their Google Drive files with ease. The only bad news is that it is only free during its beta period and subscription based model will be introduced soon. However, Google is working on their native app for Ubuntu which is expected to be released in the first quarter of 2013

January 20, 2013
First look at Ubuntu for Android

Till date we had only heard rumors and seen still images of that project. But today Canonical released a video from the Fórum Internacional Software Livre (FISL) 13 event held in Porto Alegre, Brazil showing a device running Ubuntu and explained many of its features.

Canonical had claimed that the Ubuntu for Android,

“transforms your high-end phone into your productive desktop, whenever you need it.”

While it does look doing exactly that.

In the video, they have plugged the phone into the dock that led to the launch of Ubuntu system. No emulation was there by any means and it used all the power the phone has to offer. Which means that system features like notifications could be swapped between Ubuntu and Android seamlessly. Now the next thing that Ubuntu is supposed to have is the permission of OEMs like HTC, Samsung, Motorola would have to be interested in this project and give Ubuntu the access to their drivers for their devices.

While many experts are debating over whether Ubuntu for Android will prove to be the future of personal computing and that the desktop computers will become obsolete. We believe that both have their own future, their own use and limitation, it depends on the purpose you use it for. Something becomes “obsolete” when the all its functionality can be performed by newer technology taking resource consumption in mind. Mobile devices may well become more “mainstream” however.

August 10, 2012
[How To] Enable/Disable Auto-hide Unity launcher in Ubuntu 12.04

If you are reading this article, chances are good that you have Ubuntu 12.04 installed on your system. If you don’t we would suggest you do it immediately as per your convenience. Ubuntu 12.04 is an LTS version and it should be good shot if you want to upgrade from any other older version you are using.

New Ubuntu 12.04 has lots of exciting features and improvements introduced from its predecessor. If you are using the new version, you must have noticed that Ubuntu doesn’t hide its unity launcher automatically – like it used to do in the previous version. It is not a bug. It’s just the canonical team which decided not to enable the feature by default.

You can sure enable the feature once again, if it is not so convenient enough or if you are more comfortable with auto-hide feature. Here are the simple steps you need to follow:

Instructions

1. Click on “Dash Home” and search for “Appearance,” and click on it.

2. In the New window which appears, switch to the “behaviour” tab.

3. Now Click on “on/off” button to Toggle Auto-hide launcher.

Tips

You can also find other settings related to the unity laucher in the same tab, which includes — “reveal location” and “reveal sensitivity.” While “Reveal location” helps you setup the position of the screen where hovering your mouse will reveal the unity launcher to the forground from the hidden postition – the “Reveal Sensitivity” defines the hover time period at which the laucher should be activated (should be visible to the forground) upon hovering the mouse cursor.

July 19, 2012